Aid by Trade Foundation the latest co-signatory of our Joint Statement on Durability in A&F PEFCR
Brussels, February 4, 2025 - We are pleased to welcome Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF)—a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable raw materials—as a co-signatory of the Joint Statement on Durability in the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR.
AbTF’s support brings an important human dimension to this initiative. Natural materials like leather, wool, and cotton are not just environmentally sustainable—they are deeply connected to people and communities, often produced by local and indigenous populations who depend on these industries for their livelihoods.
Recognising durability in sustainability assessments is not just about measuring product lifespan—it’s about protecting the people behind these materials. As Tina Stridde, Managing Director of AbTF, puts it:
"The aim of our foundation is to help people to help themselves through trade, thereby improving the living conditions of people in commodity-producing countries, promoting environmental protection as well as animal welfare and securing the livelihoods of future generations. Inaccurate and misleading rules for measuring the durability of natural fibres and the products made with them helps no one, neither producers nor consumers and neither the environment nor the economy. We are therefore pleased to join our voice to challenge the current durability metrics proposed by the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR"
By ensuring fair representation of natural materials in sustainability policies, we safeguard the environment and support the communities that depend on these industries.
Let’s make sure natural materials—and the people behind them—get the recognition they deserve!
For more information or to join the initiative: reach out to cotance@euroleather.com